What was God's purpose for Israel regarding the Gentiles in Isaiah 49:6?
God's purpose was for Israel to be His servant, not only to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the preserved of Israel, but also to be a light to the Gentiles, so that His salvation would reach to the end of the earth.
Les explains that throughout the Old Testament, God planned to deal with the Gentiles through His covenant people, Israel. They were to be the ones who would take salvation to the Gentiles. In Isaiah 49:6, God tells His servant that it is a light thing to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the preserved of Israel; He will also give him as a light to the Gentiles, so that His salvation may extend to the end of the earth. Thus God's mind was set on Israel taking His light to the Gentiles, even though the nations currently stumble over Israel and Jerusalem until Christ comes and becomes King of kings and Lord of lords.
And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
More Questions
Who is God speaking to in Isaiah 49:6 when He says 'I will give thee for a light to the Gentiles'?
In Isaiah 49:6 the servant called 'thee' whom God gives as a light to the Gentiles is the nation of Israel, whose task was to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the preserved of Israel.